Have you traveled with US Airlines? If not, discover everything about baggage, fees, and restrictions for American Airlines here.
The baggage allowance varies daily based on fare class, ticket type, and route.
The maximum dimensions for baggage are 56 cm by 36 cm by 23 cm, excluding handles and wheels. Passengers may bring one piece of hand luggage and one personal item, both of which should fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. Acceptable baggage items include a laptop bag, briefcase, purse, or a tote bag.
Note: The following items are not considered personal or carry-on items: strollers, child safety seats, soft-sided cooler bags containing breast milk, diaper bags (one allowed per child), and medical or mobility devices.
Passengers in Basic Economy are now permitted to check one complimentary carry-on bag to all destinations, in addition to a personal item.
You are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item at no additional cost. However, you must adhere to the following guidelines.
Be sure to verify your bag's size before arriving at the airport to ensure it complies with our size restrictions.
Carry-on bags must not exceed 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm) to fit in the overhead compartment. Be sure to measure any handles and wheels as well.
The dimensions for personal items must be 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) to fit beneath the seat in front of you. Acceptable personal items include laptop bags, backpacks, and purses.
If you're uncertain about your bag's size at the airport, you can use our luggage sizers to check.
On most flights in Basic Economy, you are only allowed one personal item. Carry-on bags are prohibited unless you are traveling to South America, across the Atlantic, or across the Pacific. Any additional bags must be checked. If you check a carry-on bag at the gate, a $25 surcharge will apply in addition to the regular bag fee.
If you hold Premier status with MileagePlus, are traveling with a Premier member, are the primary cardholder of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or are a Star Alliance Gold member, you are allowed one complimentary carry-on bag.
There are times when a plane may not have enough overhead space for carry-on luggage, and in those cases, your bag may be gate-checked and available for pickup upon arrival rather than at baggage claim. This often happens on United Express flights.
On CommutAir flights, only one personal item is permitted. Carry-on luggage is allowed on all other United Express flights, but space may be limited. Check your itinerary in My Trips to see if your flight is operated by United Express. You will be notified in each segment of your flight if a different carrier is operating.
If your carry-on exceeds our size restrictions or the limits specified on your ticket, you can collect it at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination.
On February 20, 2024, some changes were made to the baggage fees and allowances.
If you're traveling between the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the first checked bag costs $40 (or $35 if purchased online), and the second checked bag costs $45.
Traveling to Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana incurs a first checked bag fee of $35, with the second bag costing $45.
All baggage fees are non-refundable and apply to each passenger at each check-in location, regardless of any upgrade that grants complimentary checked baggage. Claims for refund must be submitted within 45 days if you believe you were overcharged for baggage.
On flights operated by American Airlines, you can check up to ten bags if you're traveling on transatlantic, transpacific, or domestic flights.
For travel to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Brazil, or Mexico, you may check up to five bags on US air flights.
Charges may apply and vary based on factors such as your ticket type, destination, whether you're a dependent of an active U.S. military member, your status with an affiliated airline, ownership of a United Airlines credit or charge card, and membership in the airline's frequent flyer program.
The standard checked and hold baggage fees for domestic U.S. flights are as follows:
For international flights to and from the United States, the typical fees for checked baggage on United Airlines (UA) are $60.00 for the first bag and $100.00 for the second. The first checked bag is free, while the second bag is $100.00 for international basic economy fares. Some routes allow for two checked bags as standard. The specific number of bags allowed can be checked on United.com using the "Baggage Calculator."
United Airlines (UA) will impose fees for the third bag and excess luggage that start at $150 USD, depending on the itinerary. For specific charges on each route, refer to United Airlines' (UA) "Baggage Calculator" on United.com.
Note: There are both temporary and permanent excess baggage embargoes for certain destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and South America. Please visit United.com and check for "Baggage Embargoes."
For domestic flights within the United States, United Airlines (UA) charges the following fees for luggage exceeding the standard 50 pounds or 23 kilograms:
51–70 pounds, or 24–32 kilograms: an additional $100–200 per bag
71–100 pounds, or 33–46 kg: an additional $400 USD per bag
Bags exceeding 100 pounds (46 kg) will not be accepted for check-in.
Flight costs to and from the United States range from $200 to $400 USD. You can find the exact amount for each route using United Airlines' (UA) "Baggage Calculator."
Bags measuring between 160 and 292 centimeters, or between 63 and 115 linear inches, will incur an additional fee of $200.00 USD on United Airlines (UA). Bags larger than 292 centimeters or 115 linear inches cannot be checked or placed in the hold.
Charges vary based on the type of sports equipment. Larger athletic items will incur a fee starting at $150 USD. For detailed information, visit the United Airlines baggage information page and locate the sporting equipment section.
There are some destinations where no checked bag fees apply. Below is a summary of methods to avoid American Airlines baggage fees.
1. Waived Fees Based on Destination
All long-haul international main cabin fares on American Airlines include one complimentary checked bag, except for basic economy tickets. American Airlines offers one complimentary checked bag on select itineraries to and from the United States.
Complimentary checked bags are available for the following destinations (not applicable on basic economy fares):
Latin America: Panama, El Salvador, Cuba, and Haiti.
South America: Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia.
Flights across the Atlantic.
2. Waived Fees Based on Airline Credit Cards
Those who hold a U.S. credit card from American Airlines or one of its partners may enjoy a free checked bag on American Airlines flights. Check with your bank for details on which cards apply.
3. Waived Fees Based on Elite Status
Members of the American Airlines AAdvantage program will benefit from complimentary checked bags based on their status. For example, Gold, Platinum, and Executive Platinum members receive two free checked bags.
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